CHCA District 1199 Officers & Staff
President, Dave Hannon (Elected Officer)
Dave began as a rank-and-file member and delegate of CHCA District 1199, NUHHCE, working as a Psych Tech at St. Vincent's Behavioral Health. In the first two years of working for CHCA, Dave helped over 500 workers form a union at Norwalk Hospital in two bargaining units, and he helped over 900 workers form a union at Danbury Hospital. Dave has an unwavering belief in the necessity and the power of workers joined in solidarity. As President of CHCA Dave models and practices solidarity, supporting both our union siblings and those workers who do not have a union, and he ardently defends the right to collectively bargain and to strike if necessary.
Jessica Ellul, Secretary/Treasurer (Elected Officer)
Jessica began her journey in labor with a five-year fight to organize 900 coworkers at Danbury Hospital. Jessica was elected as the first President of her bargaining unit and to CHCA's Executive Board. She has a talent for organizing and reading, interpreting, and writing contract language. In 2017, Jessica received the Kate Mullaney Courageous Young Workers Award, and in 2018 was invited to be a guest speaker at the AFSCME International Convention in Boston. She's been a guest speaker on the AFSCME New Wave Podcast and featured in AFSCME WORKS magazine. In 2019 Jessica was hired as an internal organizer at CHCA, and as a first time Lead Negotiator she successfully negotiated Unit 901's successor contract. Her dedication to CHCA District 1199, NUHHCE is unmatched. Jessica is mom to furbaby and office mate Stella who can be seen during Zoom calls. When she isn't working you can find her playing piano, cooking for friends and family, or on the hunt for the next organizing campaign.
Eddie Gadomski, Executive Secretary (Elected Officer)
Eddie worked at Waterbury Hospital for 32 years in Information Services as the Lead Desktop Support Tech and served as a union delegate for the Technical Employees bargaining unit. After his position was outsourced, Eddie’s passion for workplace solidarity led him to accept a position as an Internal Union Organizer with CHCA. In June of 2024, he was elected as the CHCA Executive Secretary. In September 2024, Eddie was also elected as President of the Naugatuck Valley Project organization and serves as a member of the Western CT Area Labor Federation committee. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family including his 4 grandchildren. Eddie is a sports enthusiast and director of Amateur Baseball for the AABC in CT.
Anne Fenelon, Internal Organizer (Staff)
Anne moved to the US from Haiti at 16 and faced the challenges of a new country, language, and culture. Anne's determination led her to earn her B.A. in Political Science from SUNY Oswego. During university, Anne interned at the NY State Legislature and became fascinated with the labor movement. In 2005 she began her career with NEHCEU District 1199 as an internal organizer representing healthcare employees throughout Connecticut. Anne went on to George Mason University where she earned a Master's degree in Organizational Development and Knowledge Management (ODKM) with a focus on Labor-Management and Relations. In 2016, Anne joined CHCA and immediately started representing members and assisting in contract negotiations. Anne loves spending time with her seven-year-old daughter, going to church to worship and is an accomplished home chef.
Liz Linehan, Internal Organizer (Staff)
Liz comes to CHCA with over ten years of experience in Governmental Law, and decades of experience in contract negotiations. Liz has a reputation as a fierce defender of workplace safety and rights, with an emphasis on harassment, accommodations, and more. That fighting spirit translates to her love of kickboxing in her spare time, and having held a CT state powerlifting record in the deadlift and bench. Always a horrible cook, Liz says the best thing she makes "is reservations". She lives in Cheshire with her husband, three children, and two dogs.
Martina Manicastri, Internal Organizer (Staff)
Martina is a seasoned community and labor organizer with nearly a decade of experience. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and English, and a Master's degree in Rhetoric. She is a staunch advocate for worker's rights and believes in the power of worker solidarity to transform the living conditions of all workers. When she's not busy organizing with CHCA or in her community, she spends her time baking sweet treats and reading a good book.
Brittany Morazes, Office Manager (Staff)
Brittany grew up in Fairfield and graduated from Fairfield University with a Bachelors of Science in Biology and a minor in Spanish studies. Since 2015 Brittany has kept the office running smoothly and efficiently. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, gardening and doing outdoor activities. She lives with her husband, beautiful daughters and two cats.